Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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Les Dalles Boutique Offers Specialized Mastectomy Supplies and Fittings

September 12, 2022 – Les Dalles Boutique is a women’s intimate apparel shop located at 500 Washington Street in The Dalles. The retail business offers women’s undergarments, pajamas and swimsuits. Les Dalles Boutique occupies a unique, specialized niche not only for The Dalles but for the whole Mid-Columbia region. The shop offers mastectomy supplies, and owner Nicole Cowart is a Certified Fitter mastectomy (CFm).  With this licensing the shop offers personalized fitting services with specialized mastectomy bras.  Nicole is currently in the process of becoming a certified Medicare service provider so that the business can bill Medicare directly for mastectomy supplies. Once established as a Medicare provider, Nicole plans to expand medical consulting services to include helping clients navigate through the insurance requirements for durable medical equipment, advanced directives, and insurance forms. The retail shop’s business plan also calls for growth into unique gift products such as chemical-free deodorants and soaps, handmade candles, jewelry, specialty makeup bags with the Les Dalles Boutique logo, and printed t-shirts. Les Dalles Boutique also offers Avon products. OIB funding will expand the current space to include private fitting rooms and a consult space in addition to the current retail shop space. The loan assistance will also provide working capital for the business and will fund the development of Les Dalles Boutique Brand Products such as make-up bags, candles, jewelry and the Les Dalles Bra line as outlined in the company’s five-year plan.   [Continue Reading]

Gorge Wine Library Expands as 3-Year Anniversary Approaches

August 25, 2022 – The Gorge Wine Library will host it’s 3-year anniversary celebration on September 10th from 6-9 pm with live music and lite bites! The Gorge Wine Library opened at 306 Court Street in The Dalles in October 2019, with a mission to offer an enhanced and unique wine tasting experience with a variety of local wines and beers made in the Columbia Gorge Region.  The small 700 square foot space on Court Street allowed seating for six to eight patrons at one time.  In 2021, owners Lorraine and William Kupchin personally financed a move from the Gorge Wine Library’s original location to a much larger space at 506 East 2nd Street.  The new location’s seating capacity will hold 48 to 50 patrons. Showcasing wines from the Columbia Gorge region by offering wines from over ten local wineries, the Gorge Wine Library carries three to six varieties from each of the ten wineries represented. Options for pairing wine with local produce, cheese and meat are available to enhance the wine tasting experience. In addition to the wines, a small selection of five local beers is also offered. For complete information, hours, wine list, wine club, location, see the company’s website at https://www.gorgewinelibrary.com. The Kupchins have requested financing assistance from MCEDD to fund an expansion into the previously unused back space of the Gorge Wine Library’s East 2nd Street location.   With this expansion, the business will create jobs, increase downtown appeal and improve our local economy.   Plans for the additional 2,750 square feet include a private event space, a scotch and whisky bar, additional seating and two billiard tables.  Both karaoke and open mic nights are also planned for the new space.  The Kupchins are active in The Dalles downtown community and this space also hosts Chamber events, yoga classes and community meetings. Upcoming events can be found on the business’ Facebook page.            [Continue Reading]

MCEDD

802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-2266

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